Elderly woman dies in house fire

An elderly Beaumont woman died Dec. 6 after a structure fire, Beaumont Fire and Rescue Capt. Brad Penisson said in a release.

According to Penisson, Beaumont Fire and Rescue was called out to a structure fire in the 3800 block of St. Helena Street. When firefighters arrived on scene, they discovered heavy flames and smoke visible from the rear of the home. Neighbors reported that an elderly woman living in the home was still inside. The first fire crew on scene immediately made entry to search for the occupant. They were initially driven back by the intense heat but were quickly able to discover the woman and remove her from a front bedroom.

Beaumont EMS treated the woman and transported her to Christus St. Elizabeth's Hospital where she was pronounced dead. The victim has been identified as Barbara Jones, age 70. The fire caused extensive damage to the home.

No firefighters were injured fighting the fire. Beaumont Fire investigators and Beaumont Police detectives are continuing to investigate the fire cause and death.

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